Introducing the Cast and Team of Burning Vision - On Walterdale's Stage in April

Walterdale welcomes this new cast and team to our building to work on Marie Clement's script, Burning Vision, under the direction of our Artistic Director Sarah Van Tassel.  We are happy to see some familiar faces and we send a warm welcome to new faces joining our membership.

CAST

 

Brad Bishop - Fat Man

Martin Salinas - Little Boy

Amy Chow - Round Rose

Lee Boyes - Miner

Asha Deboran-Hotrum - Radium Painter
Wes Schofield - Bro Labine 1/Dene Ore Carrier/Stevedor 1
Dylan Evans - Bro Labine 2/Stevedor 2

Philip Geller - Koji

Lisa Dawn Daniels - Rose
Michelle Durocher - Widow/Japanese Grandmother
Bill Roberts - Cpt Mike (v0)
James Hees - Lorne Green (vo)

Robbie Mederios - Radio Engineer (vo)

TBA - Dene Seer-er /Announcer (vo)

PRODUCTION TEAM

Sarah Van Tassel - Director

Liz Furber - Stage Manager

Anglia Redding - Assistant Stage Manager
Roy Jackson - Light/Set Designer

Pierre Valois - Light/Set Builder

Sarah Valois - Production Manager
Chris Nash - Sound Designer

Yvonne Trethart - Costume Designer

Parazanda Valois - Props Master

Scott Meunier - Graphic Designer

Auditions - From Cradle to Stage 2013

AUDITION INFORMATION

WALTERDALE THEATRE ASSOCIATES

From Cradle to Stage 2012-2013

PERFORMANCE DATES: May 20th – 25th

AUDITION DATES: FEB 10th & 11th; Times: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Walterdale Playhouse (10322 83 Avenue)

This year’s Festival consists of the following selected pieces:

The Ugly Spot by Lisa Lorentz

Director: John Trethart; Dramaturge: Brian Dooley

Exposure by Stephen Allred, Bethany Hughes and Jessie McPhee

Director: Eric Rice; Dramaturge: Tracy Carroll

Casting Requirements:
The Ugly Spot: 2 Strangers meet in an unlikely place where a tragic event once happened – each seeking resolution.
- Paul: Male, 18 years old
- Paula: Female, 20 years old

Exposure: Three people’s lives intertwine. Each seeks help for a very different reason, but perhaps they can help each other?
- Will: Male, 25 – 40 years
- Anna: Female, 25 – 40 years
- Eric: Male, 25 – 40 years, plays guitar

• The auditions will comprise of the following:
o Please prepare a short (1-2 minute) contemporary monologue
o Readings from the scripts
o For The Ugly Spot – you may be asked to sing a short a capella song – no preparation needed.

• Please bring any major or recurring scheduling conflicts you have between auditions and the show dates. Headshots and resumes are recommended but not required.
• As these are new works under development, Copies of the Scripts are NOT available.

TO BOOK AN AUDITION:

Email Kristen Finlay at smeep22003@yahoo.ca with FROM CRADLE TO STAGE AUDITIONS

in the subject line or phone 780-406-1256.

Walterdale is a volunteer/member organization. We cannot engage Equity performers.

Spotlight on Joan Hawkins - Set Co-Designer and Master Painter for Summer and Smoke

What is your role on Summer and Smoke? My role in this production is Set Co-Designer (with Alli Ross) and Master Painter. Alli and I worked together and with the Director to establish the needs for the set. We then created a scale model and ground plan of the set. We have a great Master Builder (Pierre Valois). The wonderful team of builders got the basic set built in four days! As Master Painter, I’ll work with my paint crew to paint the set pieces and some of the furniture to create the desired effect.

What drew you to this show? I’ve always loved Tennessee Williams’ plays, so I was eager to be involved when Mary-Ellen asked me to design the set. Since there’s always some crossover with set and props in terms of furniture, I wanted to work closely with Alli (Props), so we decided to co-design the set. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many of the other production people who are involved with this show, so I’m having a great time working with this team.

What is your background in theatre? I majored in Art Education in University, and planned to teach art in a high school in Ohio, where I was raised. At that time, the art teacher was responsible for creating sets for the drama productions that all of the schools did. In my last year of University, I decided to take an introductory theatre course to learn how to build a flat. I was lucky to work with an amazing husband-and-wife team who did the set design and technical direction for the theatre department plays. My involvement that year led to an invitation to do a Master’s Degree in Set Design and Technical Theatre. How could I turn that down???? I did audition for one play, but the director said he needed me to build the set. I figured that meant I’d made the right choice to do behind-the-scenes work. I really have no desire to try to act….

At Walterdale? I’ve designed six previous sets at Walterdale (Cyrano, Mail Order Bride, Rabbit Hole, The Love of the Nightingale), painted on 21 sets, helped with props for 12 shows, and helped with costumes for 16 shows. What I love most about Walterdale, besides the chance to design and paint, is working with and learning from so many amazing people — it’s a true community in which we work and play and laugh together. Maybe a bit less laughter in tech week, but that’s another story! 

Share with us a favorite memory involving either summer or smoke. I grew up in southern Ohio, where the summers were endless and filled with sunshine and humidity. My dad had a sailboat, so our family spent every weekend in the summer sailing on Indian Lake. My brothers and sister and I all learned to sail. One of the biggest thrills was for us to take the sailboat out by ourselves, leaving our parents on shore to watch. Our family also did night sailing, which was even more magical, since there were no powerboats around. The whole fleet would go out, with people playing guitars and singing, and all of us shining flashlights on the sails to let others know where we were. Another fun event was the watermelon race. The committee powerboat dumped watermelons along a course, then the sailboats would follow. The idea was to scoop up as many watermelons as possible, which is a lot harder than it sounds. My mom was one of the best watermelon scoopers, so we always got a prize. We kids just ate the watermelons, but the adults bored holes in them and added rum before they ate them, which we kids thought was just a terrible waste of a perfectly good watermelon on a hot summer day!

Spotlight on Mary Ellen Perley - Director of Summer and Smoke

What is your role on this production? Director What does that entail? Much research of the time period, music, area in Mississippi where the play takes place, literary references made and any other references which may be obscure or not familiar to the actors, of Tennessee Williams himself and how his life is played out in his plays. I also need to KNOW the play inside and out and have clear ideas about the characters, their personalities and relationships as informed by the text. The director needs to have a clear vision of the play and be able to communicate this to the various designers in a language which they understand. In short the director is responsible for understanding the text and giving the directions necessary to all in order to bring that text to life on the stage.

I have been blessed with a tremendous cast and production team for Summer and Smoke. I can honestly say that every rehearsal has been a joy to attend as I watch the actors explore and develop their characters and relationships. I have also really enjoyed working with my daughter as the assistant director. As we both share such a deep connection with this play from our days at the Shaw Festival this opportunity to work together on a play we love so deeply is a very special gift for both of us.

What drew you to this show? I saw this play performed at the Shaw Festival in 2007. This was not a play by Williams that I knew; however, I was so viscerally struck by the play that after the performance I needed to find a quiet bench to sit and compose myself before carrying on with the other theatre adventures that my daughter and I had planned. I found the play poignantly rich in depicting the missed chances of two people who really needed to join in order to complete each other. I knew after seeing Summer and Smoke at the Shaw Festival that I wanted to try my hand at bringing Alma and John to Edmonton audiences.

What is your background in theatre? I hold Bachelor and Master's degrees in Education with a double major in Drama and English. I have taught Drama for over 30 years, produced numerous theatre evenings, wrote plays for my students, directed and acted in Fringe productions and for Stage Struck! (the adult one act Edmonton Regional festival) and have written numerous educational videos. I have attended many theatre workshops and classes with such professionals as Jim DeFelice, Scott Swan, James MacDonald, Trevor Schmidt, Sandy Nichols, Bradley Moss, Daniel MacIvor, Marty Chan, Marianne Copithorne, David Storch, Vern Theissen, and Stephen Heatley. At Walterdale? I have been a stage manager,dresser, assistant director and actor in several Walterdale productions. (Children of a Lesser God: actor, Come Back to the 5 and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean: stage manager, Lend Me a Tenor: dresser, Perfect Pie, assistant director, Much Ado About Nothing: actor and Albertine in Five Times: actor.

* Photo above from Albertine in Five Times: Douglas Douglas

A Collection of Preview Articles on The Misanthrope!

Check out some of our press:

Here is the Preview Article from Vue Weekly

From St. Albert Gazette

From Sound and Noise

From Gateway

Ten to Do in The Edmonton Journal

The Misanthrope - Media Call

We had an exciting Media Call tonight for The Misanthrope.  We shared sections from Acts 1, 3, and 4; took some photos; filmed a bit; and did some interviews. Here are some of the photos from the wonderful Douglas Stewart, who shares his talent with us for every show!  You can see the full set of photos at this link.

Brennan MacGregor as Alceste and Afton Rentz as Jennifer.

Bill Roberts as Covington and Brennan MacGregor as Alceste.

An Auditioning Workshop at Walterdale - Saturday, December 1st

There are a lot of auditions coming up in the next few months, not the least of which is Walterdale's auditions for Burning Vision on December 9th and 10th.  Why not put your best foot forward and prepare by taking this workshop?

Jim Guedo, the current Chair of Theatre Arts at MacEwan University is conducting ...

The Do's and Don't of Auditioning

Over the last thirty years, Jim Guedo’s work as director and designer has been showcased across the country at Canadian Stage, The National Arts Centre, The Neptune Theatre, Manitoba Theatre Centre, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Sudbury Theatre Centre, The Globe Theatre, Alberta Theatre Projects, and The Citadel Theatre.

This workshop will address, but not be limited to:

•The Audition: What You Have Control Over Versus What You Don't

•How to Prepare

•Staging Your Audition: the Piece, Coming into the Room, the 'Interview

•Audition Etiquette

•The Cold Reading or Call Back

•Tools of the Trade: your Headshot, Resume and Cover Letter

Saturday December 1st, 2012

9:00 AM start for coffee and a wee brekkie,

12 - 1 for lunch (the Farmer's Market is open!)

Afternoon "tea table" for a break!

Ending at 4 PM

This workshop is FREE to Walterdale members!

Would you like to extend this invitation to a non-member? No problem!
The cost of the workshop is $25 on the day of the event AND they'll get a Walterdale membership as well!

Use this link http://walterdaletheatre.eventbrite.com to sign up for the latest member workshop hosted by the Walterdale Theatre!

If you are uncomfortable using Eventbrite to RSVP, please feel free to contact Parazanda Valois, our Director of Membership, at the following email: walterdale.membership@gmail.com

This event is funded by Theatre Alberta Workshops By Request.

Delivering Messages via David Johnston in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I play “A Motorcycle Messenger” and am the only character not gifted with a name. Amanda Neufeld has suggested I go by Jermaine. So I guess I’m Jermaine? As Jermaine the Messenger, I have many Messengery duties to do including delivering packages, riding a motorcycle, cellular respiration, helping packages get delivered, having great hair, providing a visual contrast to the high society white collar bourgeoisie, facilitating package delivery, and wearing leather pants.

What drew you to this production? The pants.

OK, OK. I’m friends with most of the collective that performed this version of The Misanthrope at the Fringe Festival two years ago and heard a fair number of good stories about the experience, though I missed seeing the show myself. I’m a big fan of the way the text plays, not only with language and rhythm but with conventions of theatre and structure. Janine’s direction has a gift for nailing the physicality of a scene and teasing out moments as long as they possibly can be in order to drive the point home, and I respond well to approaching the show physically and with full body – a “what are you doing” mindset as opposed to “what are you thinking.” Not to mention the cast are a lovely group of people, individually and collectively.

But seriously, it’s all about the pants, man.

What is your background in theatre? BA Drama from the University of Alberta, Artistic Director of my own indie production company, Allspice Theatre. This is my sixth production with Walterdale (Kiss Within a Kiss, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Threepenny Opera, The Love of the Nightingale) assuming you count The Weir (which I assistant directed) but not the multitude of shows I was lighting crew for. Outside the firehouse walls, a short list of credits includes Spring Awakening (Scona Alumni Theatre), Chicago, Cabaret, and Little Shop of Horrors (Two One-Way Tickets to Broadway Productions), Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead (Rabid Marmot Theatre), No Choking Matter (Allspice), Dracula (Escape Route Productions) and I hold the unofficial title of the John Ratzenberger at Blue Sky Theatre Emporium. I’m a company member with Clown Cartel Murder Mysteries, a produced playwright, and a kickass juggler.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I don’t see why I should be the only one who gets to wear an outfit entirely made of leather, if you get my drift.

Spotlight on Clyde Rigsby - Props Master for The Misanthrope

What is your role on the production? On the production I am the Props Master and Set Dressing guy.

What is your background in theatre? I have been on stage or behind it or organizing for it for over 40 years. Jobs have included executive director, board member, production manager, set designer, set builder, set painter, costume designer, costume fabricator, transportation manager, venue negotiator, chorus, lead, tenor in the corner, FOH manager, Usher and general all round scenery. There are very few jobs I have not had a crack at yet being on stage singing is still my favourite.For Walterdale I have been a member for 5 years (I think) and have been on stage three times. Been lucky to work ASM, props, builder, painter (some) FOH and tickets.

* For Walterdale, Clyde was seen onstage in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Apocalypse, Saskatchewan.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I think partying as Scots and singing songs from Brigadoon, or maybe gangsters and sing songs from Guys and Dolls. Regardless, I am wearing my kilt.

* Photo Credits: Above - Clyde and Robert MacDougal in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas; photo by Bill Hill
Right - Clyde in Apocalypse, Saskatchewan; photo by Douglas Dollars Stewart

Hey! It's Me Again! Kristen M. Finlay - Marcia in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I have two roles on this production of The Misanthrope.  Onstage I play Marcia, a former acting teacher of the beautiful and famous Jennifer.  I am having a lot of fun playing Marcia because she is very smart and sharp and parries well onstage.  It's fun to play someone who is so smart and who believes she is right. I also get to stir up some trouble between Jennifer and Alceste and it's fun to be a conflict creator onstage, and I get to wear a couple of fabulous outfits! My other role on the production is that of Master Painter.  It has been a lot of work but it has been great bringing Travis Metzger's design to life.

What drew you to this production? I joined the production as painter first, but wanted to audition because I found the script so sharp and relevant.  The dialogue was challenging in the way that Shakespeare can be because of how Martin Crimp wrote it.  I also liked the way it had taken the classic Moliere work and transported it to present day. I thought it was intelligent and fit neatly into today.  One of the questions I always ask when approaching a play is "Why this play now?"  I think The Misanthrope says some things that are very relevant today about how we treat the famous and the talented, and how people are deceptive in their interactions.

What is your background in theatre? I have been onstage and backstage for over 30 years.  I spent many years at Keyano Theatre in Fort McMurray acting and backstage.  I then taught high school drama for several years and that is where I started directing. Since relocating to Edmonton 7 years ago I found Walterdale.  My first show was in Lunatic during the annual One Act Festival in 2006.  That was followed by Steel Magnolias, Board Work (3 years as Secretary, 2 years as Artistic Director and 1 as Treasurer).  I have directed four shows at Walterdale (Crimes of the Heart, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Rabbit Hole and most recently Nine). I have also appeared onstage in The Threepenny Opera and Black Hearts in the Greenroom.  As master painter I designed and painted Village of Idiots and I was Master Painter for Wyrd Sisters and The Weir.  Outside of Walterdale I have my own company that I Co-Artistic Direct with Anne Marie Szucs called FinallySauces.  Through it we have produced two of my scripts, From Something and Pieces. I love theatre and love that I live in Edmonton where I have the opportunity to see and do so much!

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I have always thought it would be fun to have a Rubik's Cube party.  That's where everyone wears 6 different coloured pieces of clothing (shirt, pants, 2 socks, hat and something else) and then during the party you trade with people to try and get all your clothes one colour.  I would have colour themed food and drinks to match the six sides of the Cube and we would play Twister (it totally relates!). It's a fun idea, I am not sure I would ever do it! 

* Photo Credit: headshot by Janine Hodder

Introducing Brennan MacGregor - Alceste in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show?  I'm playing Alceste, which means I get to stagger around stage swearing and drinking. It helps that I'm Scottish.

What drew you to this production? I just moved back home, after going to school in Vancouver, and I was looking around for something to act in. I've always enjoyed Moliere, and I don't think there's a better way to learn how to act than doing it on the stage.

What is your background in theatre? I went to VFS for their acting program, which covers both theatre and film. Unfortunately, Vancouver's an unbelievably expensive place to live for anyone, and almost impossible for someone in the arts without any roots so I came back here to pursue acting. I've never been in a play at the Walterdale before, but I've gone to a few, mostly in high school. It helped me realize that I wanted to act in the first place.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? Ha! I'd have a Star Wars party. Not only would it be set in a galaxy far, far away, but the pyrotechnics and lasers would ensure that it'd be an incredible event.

Spotlight on Bill Roberts - Covington in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I play the role of Covington, a theatre and film critic.

What drew you to this production? I thought it would be a fun production to do and I liked Martin Crimp's modern take on Moliere's Misanthrope.

What is your background in theatre? I've been acting for 25 plus years. My first show was at the Citadel Theatre. I've also performed at Festival Place in Sherwood Park,and the Jubilee Auditorium. At the Walterdale I have done six shows. I've loved performing at the Walterdale, the casts are always great, the directors, crew etc. I have also branched it to doing independent film. 

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have? I'd do a 30's style gangster party, with 30's style music, decorations etc. Everyone would have to be dressed from the time period.

* Headshot of Bill supplied; Photo of Bill from Apocalypse, Saskatchewan by Douglas Dollars Stewart

Introducing Nathan MacDonald - Julian in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I'm playing the part of Julian.

What drew you to this production? I've always had a lot of respect for the work that Walterdale does, and felt that it would be a great way to both contribute to the arts in this city and gain some valuable experience at the same time.

What is your background in theatre? I'm still pretty new to acting. I was in a couple of community theatre productions back in my small hometown during my teens, first a bit part in Little Women followed by the role of Peter Van Daan in Diary of Anne Frank the year after that. A couple of years ago I began working at Rapid Fire Theatre, and joined the University Improv group. Since then I've done several local film and commercial spots. This is my first Walterdale production.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of theme would you want it to have and why? I'm not much of a party planner, but I'll happily show up in costume with a flat of whatever in hand.

Introducing Zachary Parsons-Lozinski, John in The Misanthrope

What is your role in the show? I am thrilled to be bringing the role of John (or, Philinte, for any hardcore fans of The Misanthrope) to life on the Walterdale stage. He is Alceste's best friend, he is infatuated by the intelligence and good looks of Ellen, and if I had it my way, he would also be the master magician of all of Europe. But I suppose he's interesting enough without magic.

What drew you to this production? Mostly the sexual magnetism of our director, Janine Hodder. I had just finished work on my Fringe production of Miss Julie, and Janine was absolutely fabulous in the role of Christine. I knew that I wanted to continue working with her; so when I saw that walk-in auditions were being accepted, I leapt at the opportunity. Janine just happens to be far nicer then I am, and gave me a role with a few more lines then Christine had; BUT, she isn't letting me do a sexy dance at the top of the show... so I think we're about even.

What is your background in theatre? I graduated from the Theatre Arts program at Grant MacEwan University, where I studied under some fabulous teachers. The majority of my theatre training, however, comes from studying the fiercest and weirdest icons of the stage and screen - everyone from Greta Garbo to Divine. I am a firm believer that you can learn everything you need to know about acting from watching Bette Davis kick the s*** out of Joan Crawford in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? I have had the incredible honour to perform with (i.e.: drink with) some of the most talented people in Canada. This is my first show with Walterdale.

This show ends with a big party, if you were to hold a costume themed party, what kind of party would you throw? I suppose if I were going to throw a costume/theme party, I would have to base it around the greatest film of all time: Showgirls. Why? Have you ever seen Showgirls? It's over-the-top, it's fabulous, it's sparkly, it's stupid, it's hilarious, and it cost way too much money to make. To make it a fabulous event, I would have strippers, lap-dancing akin to The Exorcist, a big bag of chips to be eaten by Elizabeth Berkley, Gina Gershon doing cocaine (because, hey, that's VEGAS), and a lot of walking into the wind.

That show was so much fun! How do I get Copies of the Archive Photos to Remember it?

Anyone who has done a show at Walterdale in recent history knows that there are two occasions when photos are taken to help record and promote the show.  The first time is for Media Call.  Walterdale is fortunate to have Douglas Dollars Stewart come in and take photos that are used to promote the show.  Those photos can be found in the Theatre Gallery on Douglas' website Rad Grandpa.  He has been taking our media photos since the Fall of 2006. Thanks Douglas!

The second photo taking occasion happens at the archive photo shoot.  Over time the procedure for getting pictures has evolved.  In the past, Directors were given a set of photos and then they distributed them to their casts as requested.  This,however, was challenging if the Director moved or somehow became unreachable and someone wanted photos some time after the show. Now we are using a Drop Box system to help our membership access those precious photos in an easier way.

Our Archivist, Lance Dittrich, describes the evolution and present policy as follows:


"Once upon a time, Directors would receive a set of slides. Time passed and then Directors received a disk. In both situations, the Directors would make copies, as they deemed fit, for members of the show including cast and crew. Again time passed and we decided to implement the Dropbox application which would allow us to provide all qualifying members to download a copy of the Archive photos for the show in question. They would be required to email the archives (me) to declare their request and their qualifications. Qualified means "member of cast/crew/and paid membership". We also have a waiver (to protect Walterdale) stating that the material would not be used in any manner damaging to Walterdale or the photographer."


We are lucky to have Lance looking after our history in this way and providing this valuable service to our membership.  Thanks Lance!

* photo from Black Hearts in the Green Room by Douglas Dollars Stewart

Introducing the Cast and Team of Summer and Smoke

We recently held audition for our February production of Tennesee Williams' Summer and Smoke.  We were overwhlemed with the turn-out of approximately 70 auditioners and after call-backs this past Sunday we are pleased to announce the following cast.

Cast:

Alma Winemiller- ERIKA CONWAY

John Buchanan- JUSTIN DEVEAU

Mrs. Bassett - MARSHA AMANOVA

Dr. John Buchanan - CHRIS ALLAN

Reverend Winemiller - KIRK STARKIE

Mrs. Winemiller - HEATHER PATTON
Roger Doremus - CLINT YANCHULA
Rosemary - VIVIAN BINNEMA
Gonzales - BOB KLAKOWICH
Rosa - TONYA RAE CHRYSTIAN
Nellie - CHERYL VANDERGRAAF

Archie - ANDREW DOOL

Vernon/Dusty- CHANCE HECK

This cast features returning Walterdale members and those brand new to our building.  They are joined in creating another fabulous Walterdale show by the following Production Team.

Production Team:

Director - Mary Ellen Perley

Assistant Director - Rhiannon Perley- Waugh

Production Manager - Sarah Valois

Stage Manager - Pat Eyford

Assistant Stage Manager - Nicole O'Connor

Costume Designer - Ger Dittrich

Set Designer - Joan Hawkins/Alli Ross

Props - Alli Ross

Lighting Designer - Richard Hatfield

Sound Designer - Phil Kreisel

Master Builder - Pierre Valois

Hair and Make-up Design - Geri Dittrich

Hair and Make-up - Brenda Bell

Dialect Coach - Marliss Weber

Fight Choreographer - Janine Hodder

Sound Operator - Alan Weston

Auditions - Burning Vision

Burning Vision

by Marie Clements

PERFORMANCE DATES: April 10th – 20th, 2013

AUDITION DATES: December 9th & 10th, 2012; Times: 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Walterdale Playhouse

DIRECTOR: Sarah Van Tassel

STAGE MANAGER: Liz Furber

CONSULTANTS: Christine Sokaymoh & Yumiko Hoyano

Burning Vision traces a chilling line of death and destruction caused on both sides of the Pacific as a result of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima during the Second World War and the uranium used to make those weapons, which was extracted from mines on Dene land in the Northwest Territories.

CHARACTERS:
PLEASE NOTE: We will try to cast the Aboriginal and Japanese characters as authentically as possible, but will colour-blind cast if necessary.

•Little Boy – Native, 10 years (older actors who look younger will be considered) – The personification of uranium
•Fat Man / Captain Mike – American / Icelandic, 30s-40s – An America bomb test dummy manning his house in the late 40s / Icelandic captain of the barge that transported the uranium
•Round Rose / Tokyo Rose – Japanese, 20s-30s – American-Japanese woman accused of being “Tokyo Rose”, a propaganda radio personality
•The Widow / The Japanese Grandmother – Native, 40s-60s – An older Dene woman who keeps a fire for her dead Dene ore carrier husband / A Japanese Grandmother looking for her grandson after the bombing
•Rose – Métis, 20s – A bread-maker, works in her father’s Hudson’s Bay Store
•Koji – Japanese, 20s-30s – A Japanese fisherman
•The Radium Painter – American, 20s-30s female– 1930s Radium Dial Painter
•The Dene See-er – Native, 40s-60s (voiceover) – Dene medicine man in the 1880s who sang the four see-er songs
•Brother Labine 1 / Dene Ore Carrier / Stevedore – 20s-30s – Prospector who discovers uranium / The Widow’s husband / Boat pilot that navigated the boats of ore
•Brother Labine 2 / The Miner / Stevedore – 20s-30s – Prospector who discovers uranium / Port Radium miner in the 1930s / Boat pilot that navigated the boats of ore

Please note: Ages are relative. Movement experience is encouraged, but not necessary. We will have a dialect coach for the Japanese and Slavey as well as for the Québécois and Icelandic accents.

The auditions will comprise of the following:

◦READINGS FROM THE SCRIPT – These will be emailed out to people in advance of their auditions.

◦CALL-BACKS (if required): Wednesday, December 12th between 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location TBA.

•First Read: Sunday, December 16th, 2012, time & location TBA

•Rehearsals will begin Tuesday, January 15th, 2013. Rehearsals will be on Sunday afternoons, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings. We’ll be adding in a Monday or Thursday evening rehearsal starting the week of February 18th, and rehearsals may increase closer to performance, as required.

•Please bring any conflict dates you have to the audition. Headshots and résumés are recommended, but not required.

•Copies of the script are available for reading at Walterdale. Contact the Theatre Administrator at walterph@telus.net or 780.439.3058 to sign one out. Copies are also available at Theatre Alberta – please call ahead.

•Walterdale is a volunteer/member organization. We cannot engage Equity performers.

To book an audition, please contact Sarah Valois by e-mail at: sarah_valois@yahoo.com

(Drop-ins will be accommodated as time allows)

Artistic Director Search - for the 55th and 56th Seasons at Walterdale

Walterdale Playhouse

Artistic Director Search

Walterdale Theatre Associates is looking for an Artistic Director (AD) to lead our 2013-2014 Season.The AD is responsible for: proposing seasons to the Board of Directors, selecting Directors for each play, working with Production Managers and Directors to build artistic teams,directing at least one production per season,and representing Walterdale to the general public. Artistic Directors generally serve a two-year term at Walterdale. Like all artistic positions in the company, the AD is a volunteer position.

Anyone may apply for the position of Artistic Director; however, the best candidate will have experience as a Director outside of Walterdale and/or a history with Walterdale itself (i.e. working on a number of Walterdale productions in various capacities). A familiarity with Walterdale’s recent or extended history would be an asset.

Applicants should submit the following information:
• A cover letter, explaining why you wish to be Artistic Director;
• A copy of your theatrical résumé;
• A brief proposal for the 2013-2014 Walterdale season, listing possible plays and describing why each play would be suitable for Walterdale;
• All your contact information.

Applications may be mailed to, or dropped off at the theatre at:

Artistic Director Search
Walterdale Playhouse
10322 83 AVE NW
Edmonton, AB T6E 5C3

Applications may also bee-mailed to the theatre’s Administrator, Kent Sutherland, at walterdaleadmin@shaw.ca . Please ask for a confirmation e-mail in return. We cannot guarantee the reliability of e-mail servers.

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2012.The applications will be studied by a search committee from Walterdale’s Board of Directors. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed in early January, and the selection will be made by January 31, 2013.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Artistic Director search, email our current AD,Sarah Van Tassel, at walterdalead53@gmail.com .

Announcing the Selected Plays for From Cradle to Stage 2012-2013

Every year Walterdale takes one of it's performance slots in the season to develop new works by local playwrights.  Over the years we have developed the program so that we provide professional dramaturgy for the development of the submitted work.  This year, we were blessed and challenged by the work that we received this year as we saw a very high caliber of work from 15 submitters (17 scripts) which made our selection process all the more difficult.

The Jury narrowed that pool of scripts down to the following five for the dramaturges to select the finalists from (in no particular order):

Secrets by Jacqueline Dumas

Downturn by Cody Porter

The Ugly Spot by Lisa Lorentz

Wolfman Crossing by David Haas

Exposure by Stephen Allred, Bethany Hughes and Jessie McPhee

From those 5 scripts the successful pieces that we will be

producing on our stage this year will be:

The Ugly Spot by Lisa Lorentz

Dramaturge: Brian Dooley

Lisa Lorentz is a new playwright and student at the University of Alberta in her final year of the Ba/Bed combined degree program. She enjoys both acting and playwrighting within the community and is excited to have had two of her most recent plays showcased in the University’s New Works Festival.

Exposure by Stephen Allred, Bethany Hughes and Jessie McPhee

Dramaturge: Tracy Carroll

Jessie McPhee collectively created Subterranean (2011) with his long time improv troupe DotDotDot for the Next Fest Festival in Edmonton and has also collectively created two shows with Break the Wall Theatre, Excuse Me… This is the Truth! (2008) and TrueLife (2011), for both the Edmonton and Winnipeg International Fringe Festivals.

Stephen Allred has found his home on stage ever since he was first cast as Ichabod Crane in his grade 7 production of Sleepy Hallow. Since then he has appeared in such shows as Fiddler on the Roof, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Forever Plaid.
Bethany Hughes - An Edmonton local, this girl is known for her relationship with Peanut Butter. She has worked around Edmonton on various projects and is hoping to get involved drama therapy. She has worked with youth at the Art Start Program for the past 4 years. Bethany graduated with her BA in psychology and drama.

People are Saying Great Things About The Weir...

Here are some of the reviews for Walterdale's 54th Season Opener, The Weir.  It sure is flattering to hear all this praise for our work!

Colin McLean, Edmonton Sun

"The potent mix of McPherson's gift for storytelling, blarney, charm and poignancy,sympathetic direction (Anne Marie Szucs) and an excellent cast that seem as authentic as the peat moss burning in the grate, will keep you entranced."

Charlotte Forss, Gateway

"The warmth of the pub atmosphere is key to the success of The Weir as a play. The production’s strongest point is its ability to transform the seats of the theatre into the seats of a pub where you just happen to be overhearing a night of stories. Everything from the technical elements to the cultural details to the non-verbal communication between characters contributes to the believability of the characters and, by extension, the believability of their stories."

Ana Osorio, Sound and Noise

"Yes, this is a play about ghosts and fairies, about unexplained phenomena—some hearsay, some from personal experience. In total, the characters will tell you four stories about an incident related to the paranormal, and if you have a very active imagination I can guarantee you will get goosebumps as you hear each one of them."

Anna Borowiecki, St. Albert Gazette

"The Weir combines theatrical art, entertainment and a bit of a spiritual quest. The stories are brilliant, the dialogue lyrical and cast truly embodies their character."

Check Out The Art in the Lobby and Get a Sweet Theatre Deal!

This Saturday (tomorrow, October 20th) if you are checking out the Strathcona Farmer's Market, do yourself a favour and pop into the theatre to see our current Art in the Lobby display.  Every show the art is changed and new work from Alberta Artists is on display.  While you are there taking a peek at the beautiful work, grab a coupon to get a fabulous deal on The Weir, now playing at Walterdale.  The coupon will get you a $5.00 discount on selected nights of the show. 

Opening Night - The Weir!

Tonight we kick off Waltedale's 54th Season with The Weir.  The weather seems perfect for the show.  It's the kind of show that calls for a windy Fall evening.  We hope that you make it out tonight and that we can share the spirit of community so present in the piece.  The more I think about it, with it's themes of the supernatural, storytelling and community, this show feels written for Walterdale.

Here are a few media previews that came out today.

The Gateway - Preview Article

Edmonton Journal - Ten to Do

Join us tonight at 8 p.m. for the show and upstairs for our reception afterwards where we shall all raise a glass together!

Media Call - The Weir on deck at Walterdale!

Wednesday was our media call for The Weir.  Douglas Dollars Stewart came in and did another fabulous job capturing the spirit of the show in pictures.  You can check them out here.

Anglia Redding and Jeff Turkiewicz- ASM and Sound Op. on The Weir

Anglia has been attached to The Weir since before auditions when she stepped up to ASM. She recently brought her husband Jeff onboard to join the team as Sound Op.

What is your role in the production?

Anglia – I’m one of two assistant stage managers who are working behind the scenes to make sure that the actors have all necessary props on hand. When you see them spending money, I made sure it got into the pocket!

Jeff - I was recruited to be the light operator, but I was promoted* to sound operator before I even set foot in the booth.
*Note: there is no official ranking between sound op. and lighting op. but for this show, sound op. has more cues...

What is your background in theatre?
Anglia – I was quite a shy person (hard to believe, I know) until I was cast as Jacob Marley in a elementary school production of A Christmas Carol when I was 12. My love of theatre really snowballed from there. I attended Artstrek, a summer theatre camp, for three consecutive years. I completed a two-year Visual and Performing Arts diploma at Keyano Theatre in Fort McMurray. I played roles in Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Les Belles Soeurs, The Trojan Women, The Grapes of Wrath, and the female version of The Odd Couple, as well as many others. Whatever show I wasn’t cast in, I always found a way to weasel my way backstage. The Weir actually ends a 12-year hiatus from the theatre.
Jeff – My background usually consisted of me being an audience member. This is the first show I’ve actually participated in.

Do you have a favourite ghost story you can relate?

Anglia – I am alternately terrified and fascinated with ghosts. I love watching ghost-hunting shows and became particularly entranced by a British series called Most Haunted. There was a group of people and they would set up cameras and other equipment and hang out in a supposedly haunted location all night long. One episode had them hanging out in an brewery. A member of the team went into the basement by himself armed only with a camera. There was a keg ramp that was used to roll the metal containers down onto the floor – it was quite a steep grade. As the guy started talking to whatever entity he thought was there, a keg full of stout began rolling UP the ramp – a feat that’s impossible unless two people are pushing it. And he was down there by himself! I actually shrieked out loud. Jeff made fun of me for at least a week.

Jeff – Although I consider myself a skeptic, I do love a good ghost story. When I was a kid, the movie The Changeling starring George C. Scott, terrified the hell out of me. I remember sneaking out of bed and hiding behind my mother’s armchair to watch it when I should have been in bed. I had nightmares for weeks. Having re-watched it as an adult, it certainly wasn’t as scary as it was when I was little, but that memory has always stayed with me.

Why do you think audiences should come and see The Weir?

Anglia – It’s the perfect play for October. There’s always been a little but of spookiness associated with it because of its lead up to Halloween. The Weir is great way to get a little chill down the spine before it’s time for all the ghosts and ghouls to come out for real.

Jeff – I think it’s great to come out and support local theatre. Plus what Ang said.